In modern animal husbandry, ensuring optimal health, productivity, and sustainability is more crucial than ever. As global demand for animal products like meat, milk, and eggs continues to rise, livestock producers must find efficient ways to maximize output without compromising animal welfare or environmental integrity. One of the most impactful tools in this effort is feed additives.
Feed additives are substances added to animal feed in small quantities to improve the feed’s nutritional value, enhance animal growth, prevent diseases, and optimize overall performance. They have become indispensable in the commercial farming industry and play a key role in ensuring food security worldwide.
What Are Feed Additives?
Feed additives are non-nutritive substances or supplements used in animal feed to improve its quality and digestibility. While some provide direct nutritional benefits (like vitamins and minerals), others serve more functional roles, such as promoting growth, preventing disease, or preserving feed quality.
Types of Feed Additives
Feed additives can be broadly classified into nutritional and non-nutritional categories, with numerous subtypes in each.
These provide essential nutrients not sufficiently available in the base diet.